Mamelodi Sundowns unleash goals in historic Betway Premiership encounter against Siwelele
The match featured two hat-tricks in an astonishing display where both teams' defences faltered badly. This marks the first instance of dual hat-tricks in a PSL match.
Siwelele had let in just 19 goals across their previous 27 outings, yet they shipped seven more in this game.
Sundowns failed to boost their goal difference significantly, however, after leaking four goals themselves.
Having completed two extra fixtures compared to second-placed Orlando Pirates, who boast a +41 goal difference, Sundowns sit at +37 and face TS Galaxy in their last league fixture on Tuesday.
Should Pirates secure victories in their remaining three matches, they will claim the title.
Opening advantage
Sundowns surged ahead within the first seven minutes courtesy of Teboho Mokoena's seventh strike of the season.
The ball reached the edge of the penalty area after a partial clearance from Siwelele, allowing Mokoena to unleash a low volley into the bottom left corner.
This impressive strike highlighted his skill and relieved early tension for Sundowns.
It represented his seventh goal across 39 appearances in all competitions this season, complemented by two assists.
Rapid follow-up
Sundowns extended their lead to two goals by the ninth minute in a blistering opening phase, with Tashreeq Matthews nodding home.
True to form this season, Nuno Santos delivered the assist via an exquisite cross from the right flank, enabling Matthews to slip between defenders and power a header into the top of the net.
Santos's contribution cannot be overstated, as he now totals 12 assists alongside five goals from 34 outings, averaging a goal involvement every other game.
Matthews claimed his brace with an straightforward tap-in, fed by Leon.
The Colombian winger exploited space on the right following Santos's pass and crossed low for Matthews to slot into an unguarded net at the far post.
Matthews has now recorded nine goals and five assists in 47 matches this term, including 12 goal involvements with eight goals in the Betway Premiership.
Sundowns dominate further
Sundowns asserted total dominance by netting a third on 24 minutes via an own goal from Nyiko Mobbie.
Brayan Leon's effort was parried by Siwelele keeper Ricardo Goss, but the rebound was drifting goalwards.
Mobbie's desperate clearance only propelled the ball across his own line.
Siwelele strike back
The exhilarating affair saw Siwelele respond by pulling one back to trail 3-1 just shy of the half-hour.
A misguided back-pass from Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane was intercepted by Siphesihle Jeza, who rolled it simply to Ghampani Lungu for an easy finish.
That duo linked up again after the break for Siwelele's second, Lungu grabbing his brace to narrow the gap to 5-2.
They added a third with over 25 minutes left as Relebogile Mokhuoane blasted from outside the box, and Lungu sealed his hat-trick from the spot.
After a 23-game league drought without scoring, Lungu has now found the net in consecutive fixtures, including against Durban City previously.
Leon's maiden hat-trick in SA football
Sundowns dismantled Siwelele relentlessly, adding a fifth before the interval through Leon.
Santos orchestrated proceedings once more with a neat one-two, before Kutlwano Letlhaku nodded down into Leon's path for a close-range conversion.
Leon doubled up shortly into the second half by heading in Santos's delivery, then rounded off his treble when Marcelo Allende's attempt rebounded off the bar, allowing him to rifle in the follow-up.
Through his goals and assist, Leon has amassed 16 contributions in 23 games since arriving in January, comprising 14 goals, nine in the league, and two assists.
This outstanding impact underscores his status as a superb acquisition.